Korean Snack Mentioned by BLACKPINK’s Jennie Sparks Explosive Global Reaction!

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In a remarkable show of star power, BLACKPINK’s Jennie has sparked a global craze for Korean snacks—and made Billboard history at the same time.

On March 10 (local time), Jennie appeared on the popular U.S. talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show to promote her first solo album Ruby. During the interview, she introduced American viewers to some of her favorite Korean childhood snacks, including Nongshim’s Banana Kick.

“This was my favorite snack as a kid,” Jennie said, holding up the product. She added with a smile, “It does taste like banana, but in a very unexpected way.”

Her comment instantly went viral on social media, with global fans buzzing over the snack. Soon after, snacks like Banana Kick, Shrimp Crackers (Sae-Woo-Kkang), and Whale Snacks (Gorae bob) began trending internationally. Riding the wave, Nongshim posted a clever illustrated version of Banana Kick and Shrimp Crackers on their official social media on March 19.

In the post, a personified Banana Kick character proudly says, “Thanks to Jennie, I got a 5-second solo shot!”

Fans responded with excitement, leaving comments like, “Banana Kick has always been my fave too,” “World-class snack, world-class queen,” “BRB, buying Banana Kick because Jennie eats it,” “I’m loyal to Rosé’s pick—spicy shrimp crackers,” and “Been eating it for 28 years straight,” showing just how powerful Jennie’s influence is when it comes to sparking both nostalgia and new cravings around the world.

A Snack That Changed the Game—Since 1978

Launched in 1978, Banana Kick quickly became one of Nongshim’s signature snacks. At a time when bananas were considered a rare and expensive fruit in Korea, the idea of enjoying a banana-flavored snack was groundbreaking.

Back then, a single banana cost about 100 KRW, double the price of a typical 50 KRW bus fare.

Made primarily from corn, Banana Kick blends the savory crunch of a corn snack with a sweet banana aroma that melts in your mouth, making it a nostalgic favorite even decades later.

Jennie’s impact didn’t stop at snacks. Her solo album Ruby is making waves globally.

The album debuted at #9 on Apple Music’s Top Albums chart in the U.S., making her the first K-pop female soloist to break into the top 10. On Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global chart, her title track “Like Jennie” soared to #7.

And in a record-breaking moment, three songs from Ruby entered the Billboard HOT 100 simultaneously—an unprecedented feat for a K-pop female soloist.

“Like Jennie” ranked at #83,

“Handlebars” (featuring Dua Lipa) at #80,

and pre-release single “C.O.L.D” (featuring Central Cee) re-entered at #99.

This makes Jennie the first K-pop female solo artist to chart three songs on the Billboard HOT 100 at the same time.

From boosting a decades-old Korean snack to dominating global charts, Jennie continues to prove she’s more than just an idol—she’s a cultural force.